Vols' starting DE Williams hobbled

College Gridiron 365 - College beat

September 4, 2009

Tennessee starting defensive end Gerald Williams may not play in the Volunteers' season opener against Western Kentucky because of an injured foot. Williams didn't practice Thursday, but Coach Lane Kiffin said he still anticipates the junior playing some Saturday against Western Kentucky.

"He moved around a little bit [Thursday], and I think he'll play," Kiffin said.

Williams has been one of the team's fall camp success stories. After switching from linebacker to defensive end at the end of spring practice, Williams overtook junior Ben Martin on the depth chart and hasn't relinquished the spot.

Tulsa-Tulane tonight

As rough as Tulane's season got in 2008 -- with 10 losses and a slew of season-ending injuries to key players -- the lowest point may have been the Green Wave's trip to Tulsa.

The Golden Hurricane didn't have to punt once and piled up 593 total yards -- 489 on the ground -- in a 56-7 thumping of Tulane last November.

"They didn't have to throw the ball against us last year. They ran the ball down our throats," recalled Tulane Coach Bob Toledo. "We're a little different team than we were a year ago."

Tulane will have to be a lot different to avoid another embarrassing loss to Tulsa in both teams' opener on Friday night at the Louisiana Superdome. If Tulane were to suffer a similar result, it would be made even worse by the fact that the Green Wave is at home and the game is being televised to a national audience.

Spartans sportin' decal

Michigan State's football team has added a decal to its helmets in an effort to show support for the economically struggling state. The Spartans will wear a sticker with a silver outline of Michigan on the backs of their helmets this season, starting with Saturday's opener against visiting Montana State. The "Silver Lining" decal announced Thursday is intended to symbolize the university's commitment to help the state move toward a brighter future.